Range Rover Classic - Rackspace Hosting

First Impressions - “The Stoner”
Story & Photo by Ray Scholl
[Ray Scholl lives in Mason, NH, with Jenny, his wife, and their
children Lindsay and Foster. He’s an IT professional who, with his
family, built their house, maintain a “gentleman’s farm,” raise
animals and refurbish automobiles. Their Land Rover project
would have been impossible without their chief assistant and
great friend, Ananth Kaitharam –ed.]
Our Land Rover started life back in 1970 on a farm in England.
A sheep farmer had used it as a workhorse for 25 years (hauling,
shearing, etc.) before deciding to retire it from service. I never had
the chance to meet him or to see the farm; I just remember what was
relayed to me back in 1996 or so, when we decided to see what all
the hype was about.
A colleague of mine was visiting family in Leicester when he and
a friend decided to put a few vehicles in a container and send them
back to the US. It arrived here in March and he put it right on the
road. He left it with me for safe keeping (knowing full well I would
end up buying this beast) and I used it as a daily driver; mostly to the
train station and for running errands. About a month later, it was
registered to me and we were a Rover family!
Well, it was not restored and certainly in need of a few repairs,
but the next year went smooth enough. Inspection time was a
surprise – swivel ball time! Once I got the parts, it was about two
weekends of careful effort to replace the pieces and I think I did the
front springs and a ball joint in the steering as well.
Another year goes by, we drove and dragged it to Pennsylvania
and drove some old strip mines, power lines, etc. and what a blast
(until I got home and replaced the rear springs). Time continued to
tick by; Mother Nature loves those crevices where dirt and moisture
sit. You may have guessed – replace the gas tank. We have actually
gone through two of them already.
We moved to New Hampshire quite a few years ago and it seemed
the extended ride to the train over the bumps in the Rover produced
(or shook loose) a few kidney stones, thus, the nickname, “The
Stoner.” The first spring was great – most vehicles would stop and
stare at the mud at the end of the driveway, but my wife used it
several trips a day to schools with the kids (since I only went out/in
once a day I used the less capable vehicles). We did upgrade the
driveway later, but if you haven’t played in axle deep mud I suggest
you give it a try.
Well, an old vehicle, plenty of miles, and exposure to the
elements eventually take their toll. I did patch the rusty frame a few
times, and then horror. I got the call – “it’s running fine, but should
it sound like a diesel” Time to bring it home and either rebuild the
engine or get a replacement. I found a rebuilt (military specification
- had to give up my generator and positive ground) and in another fun
filled pair of weekends my truck was back on the road in daily use.
Over more time, the long daily treks over the dirt roads took a
new toll. The extra power from the rebuilt engine felt great to me but
the transmission disagreed. So, I replaced the gear box/transfer case
with a rebuilt (I have all kinds of spares and cores). Now we were
back to full strength and just in time. The grandparents wanted to
spend time with the grandkids, so we left them back in Pennsylvania
for a week. I took a few of the hottest days off and we traveled about
800 miles up through VT, across NH, and back home. With the top
off and a cooler in the back, it was pure enjoyment.
During this time an old friend decided he just had to pick up a
109”. I sent him to Rovers North and Mark Letorney outfitted him
accordingly. While at a show further south, he came across an
overdrive for sale and grabbed it for me. I still have yet to rebuild
that, but someday, it will be bolted onto the transfer case.
Well, ultimately the most crucial piece has been putting up with
all the abuse. I planned a chassis swap for years but postponed the
inevitable monetary and physical expense. The Rover had become
less a daily driver and more an entertaining alternative, but still solid
enough for errands and local trips. We were on the way back from
soccer, a friend was taunting us, and we certainly would not let a
Suburban get the best of us. We emerged victorious and basked in the
glory until we got home and noticed the doors seem to “overlap”
rather than close. No further postponement was possible. So in
October, 2005 I had to take the Rover out of service.
Finally, in April, 2006, my daughter, a friend, and I make the
journey with my newly built trailer and load up a galvanized chassis.
It sits in the grass for two months while we make preparations.
Finally, during the late summer, we began the successful refurbishment
of our Land Rover. When you do a frame-over, it’s smart to also
replace the springs, shocks and check straps. It’s a good time, too for
new brake lines, brake system components, swivel ball gaiters, and
electrical wiring. We also refurbished the bulkhead, too.
Thanks to Rovers North, I can keep this unique vehicle running
and in original condition. While they are not for everyone, they
certainly are fun if you don’t mind a rustic form of transportation.
“The Stoner” started life on a farm in England and continues life on
a farm in New Hampshire. It’s a great life for everyone!
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